Unit Guide: The Queen’s Knights
Overview
The Queen’s Knights are a Golden Era buckler-shield melee infantry unit introduced in Season 17: Avalon. Inspired by aspiring knights of Camelot, they specialize in agile dueling, precise counterattacks, and temporary invulnerability mechanics. Their lightweight armor and fencing-style combat make them ideal for hit-and-run tactics and disrupting enemy formations .
Acquisition
- Unlocked via Season XVIII: Avalon seasonal challenges.
- Requires completing Perceval’s Royal Guards seasonal challenges (Stage 3) first .
Key Abilities & Traits
- Block & Strike (Trait)
- Grants bonus block effects when attacking with swords, enhancing survivability during engagements .
- To The Point (Trait)
- Stabbing skills deal extra piercing damage, making them lethal against lightly armored foes .
- Run ‘Em Through (Skill)
- Charges toward enemies, granting 1 second of invulnerability. Deals high piercing damage and reduces enemy damage output by 70% for 3 seconds .
- Bash & Thrust (Skill)
- Combines a shield bash (with strong block-breaking) and a follow-up sword thrust. Can concuss enemies for 1.5 seconds .
Veterancy & Doctrine Build Recommendations
Gameplay Tips
- Hit-and-Run Tactics: Use Run ‘Em Through to initiate fights, exploit the invulnerability window, then retreat to regroup.
- Counter Burst Damage: Activate Bash & Thrust to break enemy blocks and stun high-threat targets like Zweihanders or Monastic Knights.
- Synergy with Shields: Pair with tanky units like Perceval’s Royal Guard (javelin/shield hybrid) to create a frontline that absorbs pressure while Queen’s Knights flank .
- Avoid Crowd Control: Their light armor makes them vulnerable to AoE attacks. Keep them away from units like Iron Reapers or Modao Battalion .
Counters
- Heavy Armor Units: Wuwei Mansion Guard or Imperial Pike Guards can outlast their attacks .
- Anti-Piercing Units: Palace Guards (Heroic Era) with high slashing defense and shield formations negate their damage .
- Ranged Focus: Falconetti Gunners or Tercios can exploit their lack of ranged defenses .
Synergies
- Perceval’s Royal Guard: Provides ranged javelin support and a shield wall to anchor the frontline .
- Crowd Control Units: Silahdars or Varangian Guards can lock enemies in place for Queen’s Knights to finish .
Weaknesses
- Light Armor: Vulnerable to slashing and blunt damage (e.g., Berserkers, Maul heroes) .
- Cooldown Reliance: Run ‘Em Through has an 11s cooldown, leaving them exposed if misused .
Final Notes
The Queen’s Knights thrive in small-scale skirmishes and excel at picking off isolated enemies. Master their invulnerability windows and prioritize veterancy upgrades that enhance their dueling potential. For seasonal challenge steps and unit statistics, refer to the Conqueror’s Blade Wiki .